I will be in LA for work and will have 2 days to myself to get out of town. Last time I was in LA was 10 years ago.
I would love to go to Hearst Castle but I think it's just too far. I've been to the Getty Villa and may go back. Any other ideas for daytrips along those lines?

What time of year will you be coming? You'll have 2 days and 1 night? Will your free days be on a weekend?

Santa Barbara?

2 full days and nights, either Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday, mid November.
I've been to Santa Barbara, on that same trip about 10 years ago. That would be my backup idea if I can't come up with someplace new. Any specific suggestions for Santa Barbara area? Museums, historic houses, scenery?

I really love Laguna Beach, although it will depend on the weather whether it is enjoyable or not. Along the way is Balboa Island, and Crystal Cove. http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com/html/index.php

Another idea is Catalina Island. It took me a long time to finally get there, but I really enjoyed the history, nature, and beautiful tiles.

I like Catalina over Laguna Beach. The water is crystal clear at Catalina. The water off Orange County is not. In November it is too cold to snorkel or scuba dive but there is a submarine from which you can view the fish. The bright orange garabaldi are spectacular.

San Diego is my nomination. I look at it as our little brother to the south, and always a pleasant place to visit, with plenty to do. From downtown LA, it's about a 2 hour drive, about the same as it takes to get to Santa Barbara. My wife and I live about an hour up the coast, but we still travel to San Diego occasionally for family events, staying there overnight and coming back the next day.

Topping for west coasters to see.

Desert: Palm Springs/Desert Area, the Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens, aerial tram, Mid-century homes tours, Joshua Tree NP. The Mission Inn in Riverside makes a nice stop along the way for your historic building fix.

Mountains/Nature: Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead.

History: California Missions - San Juan Capistrano could be comined with Laguna. Santa Barbara & San Diego have missions, too. San Diego also has the Balboa Park Museums and many other attractions.

Catalina is pretty dead that time of year.

Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and San Juan Capistrano are hardly hot spots any time of the year.

A vote for Catalina. It can be a little pricey when you add in the boat fare, but if you can go Sunday/Monday it would be cheaper. You may find some good packages here http://www.catalina.com/

I was going to suggest Death Valley, then I realized you felt Hearst Castle was too far.

Since you have been to Santa Barbara try San Diego this time. You could visit the famous zoo, for history - the San Diego Mission, and for an excellant selection of museums - go to Balboa Park. The drive to San Diego is pretty, as is the city, and you will have tons of great resturants to choose from. Enjoy!

Thanks for all the ideas.
The problem with places like Hearst Castle is that I have to be back in LA each evening and would have to do it as a daytrip. As an overnight it would be my top pick, but 4+ hoours driving each way in one day is more than I can handle.